OpenAI Rules Out 2026 IPO as Altman Cites Safety Work

Sep 14, 2026
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says the company will not go public in 2026, citing unfinished work on AI safety, alignment and cooperation with governments.
OpenAI Rules Out 2026 IPO as Altman Cites Safety Work

OpenAI will not list its shares in 2026, CEO Sam Altman said in an interview released Saturday, according to Crowdfund Insider. Altman cited unfinished work on AI safety, alignment and cooperation between governments and AI companies.

The decision ends expectations that OpenAI could complete an initial public offering before the end of this year. The company confidentially filed IPO paperwork in June, allowing it to prepare for a listing without immediately publishing its financial information.

Altman said OpenAI does not face pressure to list now. He also said remaining private gives the company more flexibility to make decisions that may not maximize returns for shareholders in the short term. He did not provide a new date for an IPO.

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